Basic Research

The division is focused on forming collaborative, multidisciplinary research groups that can tackle the complex problems associated with blinding disease.

Bringing together scientists with different areas of expertise creates an environment that produces a greater impact than simply a sum of the parts.

The importance of this magnified impact cannot be overstated. Many of the most prevalent diseases, such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration, are still poorly understood and without a cure. These two diseases affect more than two million Americans each, and that number is only expected to rise in the coming decade.

A single-discipline approach is simply not producing adequate results in terms of developing an understanding of the underlying pathology of these diseases. Without a clear picture of how each disease develops and progresses, it is not possible to develop targeted diagnostic tests, treatments, and cures.

The UAB Department of Ophthalmology’s basic science research division is focused on filling in these knowledge gaps. Much of the division’s disease-specific research focuses on glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. Additionally, myopia and keratoconus are being studied.

The division also has experts in the fields of imaging, ocular biomechanics and biotransport as well as ocular motor reflex. Expertise in these areas is the foundation of the division’s multidisciplinary groups. These areas provide critical knowledge and skills that can inform research across diseases and provide a robust approach to basic science research.

Faculty

Division faculty members also conduct their own research programs devoted to understanding the basic science behind eye disorders.